Four-game ban means De Rossi is free for final

Italy's midfielder Daniele De Rossi was suspended for four matches after being sent off for elbowing the USA striker Brian McBride last Saturday. "Fifa told us they gave him a four-match ban rather than a five-match ban because they appreciated the letter De Rossi wrote them apologising for his actions," said the Italian Football Federation's media spokesman, Antonello Valentini.

The four-game suspension included Thursday's final Group E match against Czech Republic, meaning De Rossi would be available for the final if Italy get that far. The Italians face Australia in the last 16 on Monday in Kaiserslautern.

Italy and USA drew 1-1, with De Rossi dismissed in the 28th minute for a blatant elbow on McBride right in front of the Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda. The American had blood streaming down his face and needed three stitches under his left eye. A World Cup record-equalling three red cards were shown as the USA finished with nine men and Italy with 10.

Pablo Mastroeni, who was sent off in the 45th minute after a late two-footed tackle on Andrea Pirlo, received a three-match ban. De Rossi was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs (£4,400), while Mastroeni was fined 7,500 Swiss francs (£3,300).

Italy said they would not appeal against the De Rossi ban. Giancarlo Abete, the head of Italy's World Cup delegation, said: "If you make a mistake it is right that you pay. Fifa's decision needs to be respected and accepted calmly. I'm sorry for him, that he's got to miss four matches, but that's what we expected."

Abete hinted Rossi would feature in the final if Italy are there: "We hope he plays again [at the World Cup] for his part, and also selfishly, for the rest of us".